Once Again 'Saturday Morning Physics' Combines Learning and Laughter

Is science really interesting enough to justify devoting a portion of one’s weekend to it? If you have your doubts, then just ask the hundreds of area high school students who attended -- and had a great time at -- The Florida State University’s “Saturday Morning Physics” programs last fall.

Once again this year, Florida State’s Department of Physics will host a number of Saturday-morning discussions and demonstrations throughout the fall. These are designed to show young people that, in addition to playing an important role in everyday life, physics can be downright fun. There is no charge for attending any or all of the programs, which run until Nov. 21, and registration is not required.

“We try to show young people that the study of physics is important, it’s fun, and it can be of great benefit to them in their future endeavors,” said Volker Crede, an assistant professor of physics at Florida State who directs Saturday Morning Physics. “With Saturday Morning Physics, we show that it’s possible to expand your horizons and enjoy yourself at the same time.”

There are other benefits as well: Many area high school juniors and seniors are able to receive extra credit in their science classes. And then there are the juice and doughnut breaks, provided free by the physics department.

While Saturday Morning Physics is geared for high school students, anyone from the public is welcome, Crede said.

“Parents and teachers in particular are encouraged to attend,” he said. “Younger kids will enjoy the demonstrations as well. A prior knowledge of physics is not a requirement!”

Each Saturday Morning Physics program begins at 9:30 a.m. and usually lasts until 11 to 11:15 a.m., with an intermission in the middle. Except where noted, each event is held in the large lecture hall (Room 101) of the Richards Undergraduate Physics Laboratory, located near the intersection of Academic Way and Chieftan Way on the west side of the Florida State University campus.

The themes for this year’s Saturday Morning Physics programs are as follows:

• Oct. 3 -- “Physics on the Web”: The Internet is a fantastic place to learn physics. Find out how and why.

• Oct. 10 -- “Chemical Clocks”: Learn about lasers and how living systems create clocks.

• Oct. 17 -- “The Flying Circus of Physics”: While typically a separate event, this year the always-popular Flying Circus of Physics will also be included in the Saturday Morning Physics schedule of events. At the circus, members of the Department of Physics are ready to show the more playful side of scientific inquiry -- and they’re hoping that Tallahassee-area residents of all ages will come out to share in the fun.

• Oct. 24 -- “Nuclei, Neutron Stars and Black Holes”: Enter the extraordinary world of superdense matter.

• Oct. 31 -- “Physics of Sports”: Take a lively look at the amazing physics of sports.

• Nov. 7 -- “The Science and Technology of Magnets”: Visit the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (1800 E. Paul Dirac Drive, Innovation Park) and learn about magnet research and future applications in our society. A map of Innovation park can be viewed at www.fsu.edu/Campus/newmap/inparkz.shtml.

• Nov. 14 -- “From Electrons to Quarks”: What are we really made of? Here’s your chance to discover the answers.

• Nov. 21 -- “Astronomy in the New Millennium”: Every day brings a new discovery in astronomy. Sample the greatest! (A free Florida State University Planetarium show is included.)